For those looking into the fascinating hobby of model railroads, a common first step is to purchase some model railroad books so as to learn the basics. Finding a good model railroad book can sometimes be daunting, but with a little knowledge you can enjoy this great hobby in no time!
There are many aspects to building the perfect model railroad which can seem overwhelming at first, but once the basics are understood, model trains can provide hours of entertainment. A good “how to” guide for model railroads will cover these basics in detail and help beginners get started. These basics include set up, track layout, how to create a pleasant and realistic looking railroad and how to maintain and repair the track once it is completed. These are all concepts which might be difficult for a beginner to pick up at first, but with a good book to help guide you in the right direction, it can be a very pleasant experience.
Any proper model railroad book should contain specifics on the following:
- How to build a model railroad that fits your budget
- Instructions on developing realistic scenery for grassed meadows and tunnels
- Ways to develop the best stream, river and water scenes
- The differences between an analog layout and a DCC system
Another aspect of a good model railroad book is one that gives advice on less visible aspects of the hobby, such as keeping costs down and choosing a railroad scale that is right for the amount of space you have to work with. A good book will help you decide what railroad is right for you to get a maximum amount of enjoyment with the least amount of stress.
As a beginner, your best option is to buy a comprehensive guide which covers all the basics. The best book that helped me jump start my hobby without wasting a bunch of time and clearly showed me exactly what needs to be done to begin your dream model railroad from the start, was this book. This book covers all the basics in a concise and easily understood manner which will help any beginner plan a perfect railroad system in a short amount of time and it is contains a PDF format, so you don’t have to wait for shipping and can begin consuming the information within minutes after safely purchasing it using PayPal or your regular credit card. This book is highly recommended for those just starting out in this fun hobby.
There are many books on model trains out there. Some only cover specific aspects of the hobby, such as creating scenery or maintaining the tracks. A good example of a book specifically for scenery would be How to Build Realistic Model Railroad Scenery by Dave Frary. For Wiring, you could try something like Basic DCC Wiring for You Model Railroad by Mike Polsgrove. These are both excellent resources for model railroads.